A Discovery Schools Teaching Assistant - High Needs supports teachers by providing personalized academic, behavioral, and personal care to students with disabilities or severe behavioral challenges.
Key Responsibilities
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Instructional Support: Deliver one-on-one or small-group instruction, adapt materials, and reinforce lessons designed by the teacher.
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Behavioral Intervention: Implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), utilize positive behavior supports, and manage crisis situations to maintain a safe environment.
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Documentation: Track daily data on student progress, behavior, and IEP goals.
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Personal Care/Mobility: Assist with daily living activities (toileting, feeding, hygiene) and mobility, including lifting or transferring students with physical disabilities.
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Supervision: Monitor students in various settings, including classrooms, lunchrooms, playgrounds, and school buses.
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Social Skills: Facilitate social interactions and promote positive behavior among students.
Crisis Management: Assist students in crisis by implementing Safe Crisis Management and other crisis management techniques.
Qualifications
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Education: High school diploma or equivalent is required.
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Experience: Previous experience working with children with special needs, severe disabilities, or behavioral challenges is required.
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Skills: Strong communication, patience, adaptability, and the ability to work collaboratively with teachers and therapists.
Physical Requirements
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Ability to stand/sit for long periods, lift or move students, and handle high-stress situations.
Common Certifications
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CPR/First Aid certification is preferred.
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Substitute certification or ability to obtain substitute certification within 30 days of hire date required.
